The arrest of "Boss Tweed (Sitting in chair)"----another good joke.

Question

The Shadow of Justice (Figure in the background).  "I will make some of you cry yet."

"Sheriff Brennan (holding top hat) merely nodded to Mr. Tweed, told him "Good day," and laying his hand tenderly on his should, said laughingly, "You are my man!"  It seemed like a cool joke, and judging from the faces, it was.  

 

In this Thomas Nast political cartoon, which shows Boss Tweed laughing as he is being arrested while the Shadow of Justice looks on, what is being suggested by the words of Sheriff Brennan and the Shadow of Justice?

(5 points)

Answer 1

In this Thomas Nast political cartoon, the interactions between Sheriff Brennan and the Shadow of Justice suggest a critique of the political corruption and complicity in law enforcement during Boss Tweed's time.

1. Sheriff Brennan's Attitude: By referring to Boss Tweed as "my man" while laying a hand on his shoulder and laughing, Sheriff Brennan appears to be mocking the seriousness of Tweed's arrest. This implication suggests a level of camaraderie or even complicity between law enforcement and corrupt political figures, indicating that there might be a lack of genuine attempts to uphold justice.

2. The Shadow of Justice: The figure of the Shadow of Justice, proclaiming, "I will make some of you cry yet," implies that true justice is lurking just beneath the surface. It signifies an inevitability of accountability and consequences that will come for those engaging in corruption, even if it is not presently enacted. The Shadow serves as a reminder of the ultimate ethical and moral reckoning that the corrupt figures, including Tweed, will face.

3. Public Perception: The laughter and apparent lightheartedness exhibited by both Sheriff Brennan and Boss Tweed, contrasted with the foreboding statement from the Shadow of Justice, paints a picture of a society in which corruption is accepted or laughed off, but also hints at an underlying societal frustration with this state of affairs. It suggests that while they may be enjoying their power and humor in the moment, the general public (implied by the "faces" described) disapproves and is hopeful for a change.

4. Satire of Political Corruption: Overall, the cartoon uses humor and sarcasm to highlight the absurdity of the situation where a notorious figure like Boss Tweed can be so openly comfortable in a context that should demand accountability. It critiques the systemic issues that allow individuals like Tweed to operate without fear of serious repercussions.

In summary, this cartoon emphasizes the complexity of justice and corruption, suggesting a facade of camaraderie and complicity within the justice system while hinting at the inevitability of consequence for corrupt actions.

Answer 2

Put it one sentence

Answer 3

In this Thomas Nast political cartoon, Sheriff Brennan's casual demeanor towards Boss Tweed, along with the foreboding statement from the Shadow of Justice, suggests a critique of the complicity and absurdity within law enforcement regarding political corruption, while implying that true accountability is ultimately unavoidable.